Q & A with George Fox Athletes

We caught up with a few of our fall student-athletes in the offseason to talk everything from pre-game rituals, their favorite parts of the 2017 season, and what advice they would offer to future Bruin athletes considering making George Fox University their home.

Football

Caleb Harrel

What is the best advice you’ve received from your coaches?

The best advice Coach Casey has given me is “Opportunity Over Obligation.” It does not matter what I go through in life, because if I have a good attitude about it, chances are everything will be just fine.

Most fun experience you’ve had with your team?

The best experiences with my teammates have to be on away game road trips. From Knott’s Berry Farm in Southern California to hanging out in Chicago, I love spending time with my teammates experiencing new things.

Anthony Garcia

What advice do you have for new Bruin athletes?

“All About Attitude.” Everything starts with attitude, and you can do whatever you want as long as you have the right attitude.

What is the best part of Bruin football?

Besides winning and having fun on the field, the memories and relationships that we make as a team are probably the best in my eyes. I love my teammates.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I always put on my left sock before my right sock, and my left cleat before my right cleat.

Cross Country

Sam McKibbon

What is your favorite thing about being a George Fox student athlete?

I am surrounded by an incredibly supportive community that share a love for athletics and a passion for Christ.

What habits or attitudes are required for success in your sport?

Competitive running is such a mental sport, and this year I have learned more about the power of positive self-talk. I have trigger words that refocus my attention and reactivate my effort, which allow me to be mentally present and not just physically engaged. I come away feeling better and more confident with the outcome of my workouts.

What is your advice for future Bruin athletes?

Take advantage of the GFU academic support resources, like the Arc! It was very helpful to have that extra academic support as a freshman.

Women’s Soccer

Abby Anderson

What advice do you have for the next generation of Bruin athletes?

The relationships you make while on the team will last a lifetime. Get to know everyone!

What was one of the best parts of the 2017 season?

During preseason, we went on a hike to Silver Creek Falls. Afterwards, we went to a teammate’s house and had lunch and got to hangout. It was a lot of fun and a time to bond with everyone.

What do you think are the essential habits or attitudes to succeed in your sport?

In soccer, it is important to have a high work ethic and to be willing to learn and adapt to changes.

Men’s Soccer

Daniel Alonzo

What is your favorite memory from the 2017 season?

My family flew up from Hawaii to watch my senior game. It was their first time watching me play soccer at the collegiate level. I scored the winning goal in front of them.

What advice do you have for the next generation of Bruin athletes?

Be better than you were yesterday and trust in God.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I always pray before I get on the field and always have to listen to these 3 songs: “Cinderella” by Eminem, “Warriors” by Imagine Dragon, and “WakaWaka” by Shakira.

Volleyball

Danyle Dupray

What advice do you have for future Bruin athletes and future leaders on your team?

The advice that I can give for incoming freshman and future leaders of the team is to always have a positive perspective and be gritty enough to figure out a way to overcome any obstacle.

What do you want the legacy of George Fox University volleyball to be?

I would love GFU volleyball team legacy to be a “a team after God’s own heart.”

What are some of the essential habits or attitudes necessary to succeed in your sport?

You cannot get anywhere in volleyball if you are not working as a group to achieve something larger than yourself. You need a family-oriented culture, and the true dedication and heart to succeed as one.

Madison Ross

Who inspired you to start playing volleyball?

My parents originally encouraged me to play volleyball in the fourth grade. When I fell in love with the sport, they never ceased to encourage and support me throughout my 13 years of playing.

What is your favorite pre-game tradition?

Before every game, we pray and worship. It’s an incredible experience every time.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank for their support throughout your collegiate athletic career?

I would like to thank my parents for their continuous love and encouragement, and my teammates for their support.